Yesterday during my quiet time, I decided to pick up a study that I put down 10 months ago: Growing In Christ. I tend to do that, start a study and not finish it - either because there’s another study that interests me more or because I find “more important” things to do. Unfortunately this time, it was a combination. I wish it would have been because I ONLY found other studies to do, but that wasn’t the case. Housework, napping (which I will say I did need during that first trimester), brushing the dog’s teeth, even knitting took priority over my quiet time with God. Why would I put those things before God?! As I was reminded yesterday in 1 John 1:8-10:

“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.” (NLT)

None of us are without sin - from the time of the fall of Adam and Eve, sin has just been part of us. It’s inevitable, we’re going to sin. Kind of depressing, huh? Not at all! It goes on to say that if we tell God what we’ve done wrong and that we are sorry for doing it, God will forgive us - because he is FAITHFUL and JUST. But what if one tries to “fool” God by “thinking” that they haven’t sinned, when in fact they know they have? Just as a child says to their parents, “No, I didn’t eat that cookie before dinner” when it’s plain to see by the chocolate smeared on their face that in fact they did, there’s no hiding our sins from God…there’s no tricking Him. Isaiah 59:2-8 provides a good description of what sin does:

“2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God…
 3 Your hands are the hands of murderers,
      and your fingers are filthy with sin.
   Your lips are full of lies,
      and your mouth spews corruption.
 4 No one cares about being fair and honest.
      The people’s lawsuits are based on lies.
   They conceive evil deeds
      and then give birth to sin.
 5 They hatch deadly snakes
      and weave spiders’ webs.
   Whoever falls into their webs will die,
      and there’s danger even in getting near them.
 6 Their webs can’t be made into clothing,
      and nothing they do is productive.
   All their activity is filled with sin,
      and violence is their trademark.
 7 Their feet run to do evil,
      and they rush to commit murder.
   They think only about sinning.
      Misery and destruction always follow them.
 8 They don’t know where to find peace
      or what it means to be just and good.
   They have mapped out crooked roads,
      and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.” (NLT)

Wouldn’t you like to have a recleansed soul rather than a dirty one filled with lies? One then might say, “I still feel guilty about my wrongs, even after I’ve confessed them to God.” Hebrews 10:17 says, “I [the Lord] will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” (NLT) If God is putting your confessed sins out of his mind, why should you dwell and hold onto them? I firmly believe that that is the work of Satan…he will take ANY opportunity to make you feel worthless, when in fact, God loves you! Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I [the Lord] have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.” (NLT)

I encourage you to take a moment to ask God to bring to mind any wrongs you have done. Confess them, ask His forgiveness, and according to Proverbs 3:5-6, He will guide you: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (NLT)

For a few months, our family has sponsored a little girl named Joan in central Uganda through Compassion International. Joan is 4 years old - almost 5 in July (just like Lilli!!) & is the most adorable little angel you’ve ever seen! Prayerfully I will be able to visit sometime, but since I have a young family, that trip will have to be in the far future. Joan is young & our family will be able to sponsor her through even college…we have a long time to bond and nurture a relationship. I write at least once a month and include little goodies like stickers (gifts sent through the mail have to be flat due to international customs). I’m marking it on my calendar though to write at least twice a month….I know I always enjoyed getting mail as a kid Since November, we’ve received one letter from Joan, but being that she’s only four, I didn’t even expect that yet. We were so excited to hear from her! Joan’s favorite foods are beans and rice, favorite color is blue, favorite game is “skipping rope” with her best friend Arullo Linda, and if she could go anywhere it would be to Lira Town (which is about 20 miles from where she is…remember, they don’t have transportation like we do….). We keep her letter on our fridge, a picture of her on my desk, & one on Lilli’s bulletin board. Joan is thought, talked, and prayed about daily…I hope she knows how much she is loved…by her extended family who is thousands of miles away…on a completely different continent.

“And whoever welcomes a child like this in my name, welcomes me.”
~Matthew 18:5

Today I found out that an acquaintance of mine had an unexplained miscarriage. She was about 22 weeks along - only about a month ahead of me. It was so exciting to see her each week, to compare notes, talk about pregnancy stuff, and just share this miraculous time with another mommy-to-be-again.

One might ask:
Why do bad things happen?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why does God allow them to happen?
These are all questions I would have been baffled by a few years ago. I don’t know WHY, but thankfully, on my continued walk with Christ, I have come to understand the answers.

How would one define “good” when describing a person, since we , according to Romans 3:23, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NIV) When comparing a person to Christ, nobody is “good.”

But even though we sin…and continue to do so over and over (for example: I again lost my patience with an elderly driver this morning…) God still loves us! Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV) Although it may not seem like it now, God is going to bring good out of this painful time - because he loves us. John 15:13 says, ”Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (NIV)

I also believe that tough times make us stronger. Isaiah 40:31 says, ”But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.” (NLT) Like a diamond, for example. “The formation of natural diamond requires very specific conditions. Diamond formation requires exposure of carbon-bearing materials to high pressure, ranging approximately between 45 and 60 kilobars, but at a comparatively low temperature range between approximately 1652-2372 °F (900-1300 °C).” (Info courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond) Just as the diamond goes through extreme heat and pressure to become a diamond, so do we go through trials in order to become stronger and, prayerfully, closer to the image of Christ.

I’m not really fond of the catch phrase, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” First, I don’t like lemonade and second, I’m not going to rely on fruit to make me feel better. Rather, I encourage those who are facing a trial that has been brought against them, to seek God because, according to Psalm 32:8, the Lord says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (NIV)

As I end this blog, I’m reminded of a singy song poem from my daughter’s movie series: Cherub Wings. Every time I hear it, it makes me tear up…out of such happiness that my Creator does love me…and will always be with me…wherever I am….in whatever I’m doing.

“Be close to Jesus, whatever you do.
He’ll help you out if you ask Him to.
He loves you so - He’s always near.
You are His child, the one He holds dear!”

As Pastor Mike read from the Book of James at tonight’s service (side note: the Saturday evening service is awesome….definitely our favorite…and it allows me to volunteer in the nursery for the Sunday morning service), two verses stood out for me:

“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” ~James 3:1 (NIV)
“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” ~James 3:5 (NIV)

Verse one made me chuckle, since I homeschool. It seems like every time someone finds out I homeschool, I am immediately put under the microscope and am bombarded with 20 questions. I’ve humorously learned to deal with it….remember this post?? Tee hee
The second verse hit me seriously though. How many times have I or have wanted to “one up” someone with a hurtful, sarcastic, mean, etc. comment to ”show them” or “get them back” for something they did to me. The end result is simply not good. Feelings are hurt, relationships are damaged, and my own spirit becomes less mature with each offense. Lately, I’ve found it easier to brush off the silly stuff….people are going to try to ruffle my feathers & rock my boat. I guess that’s part of maturity: recognizing poor behavior, not engaging in it (taming your tongue), and brushing it off. Why add fuel to the spark and create a huge inferno? Like Smokey the Bear said, “Only you can prevent forest fires!” (Cheesy…I know, but true!)

You can read all of James, chapter 3 here.

We missed church this past Sunday, since we got in around 1:30am from Wyoming. I’m so thankful our church has online sermons to “catch up.” Tonight, I decided to tune into what I had missed…I was SO excited to find a video sermon rather than just an audio! How cool?!! I’m always telling people how much fun our church is…how casual, down to earth, & not the type to start busting-a-Bible-over-your-head-so-you’ll-do-this-or-else-face-the-wrath-of-God! If you have about a half hour to spare, I really encourage you to listen and watch what Pastor Mike has to say about trials and temptations as talked about in the Book of James. Then you can see why I am so thankful to belong to Grace Community

http://gracecommunity.com/messages/downloads/Sermon_Jan_06,_2008.html

I never really have just one resolution…there’s so much I know I can work on. So here they are for 2008:

****Study the Bible Daily****
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” ~Psalm 119:105

Last year I was really good about this. Then summer came and I wanted to enjoy the outdoors with the girls. Soaking up the sun while Lilli played in her kiddie pool took priority over God’s Word. Looking back, I still could have enjoyed time with Lilli outside - but I could have brought my Bible & study outside with us, instead of thinking that I would “make time to do it later” (which of course I never got around to doing).

****Be more respectful towards my husband.****
“You wives will submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of his body, the church; He gave His life to be her Savior. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything. And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s word.” ~Ephesians 5:22-2

I think I’m respectful…when I want to be. Here’s a good example: I sometimes tend to feel that my unneccessary deceptive feelings are more important than everything else going on around me. You know, like when a thought gets in your mind that won’t go away…dwelling on things that have no importance…that you have no control over…I’m sure you’ve experienced that a time or two. Michael has a way of snapping me back into reality and shining a light on the truth. (It’s an amazing gift God has given him!) Sometimes I’m respectful and accept his words of wisdom…and other times I just want to pout…to lash out…to dwell on those feelings because they “feel” so important when in reality, they’re not. I need to remember that my dear husband has my best interest in mind and isn’t merely shooing my delicate feelings aside. He is actually helping me know the truth. God has given me a wonderful husband who has helped me grow so much and I know he will continue to do so.

****Recycle****
Michael showed me this article this morning and it shocked me: Continents of Floating Garbage
We recycle cans, plastic jugs, and glass, but I don’t go out of my way to recycle things that my center doesn’t accept (plastic items that don’t have a “neck,” magazines, etc). This article has motivated me to recycle as many things as I can!

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday dear Jesus!!!
Happy Birthday to You!

It is sometimes hard for me to put into words how I am feeling. But I came across these two articles today that reaffirmed exactly what I was feeling. They are lengthy, but definitely worth your time. Enjoy!
The Doormat Syndrome
Romans 12:9-18

“It has been a number of years ago now since I talked with a woman who was a victim of domestic violence. Her husband frequently brutalized her. She was a committed Christian person and tried to do everything right to be the kind of wife a husband would love and cherish.

One Sunday, her pastor preached a sermon on forgiveness and emphasized, Jesus’ words from His Sermon on the Mount:

“If you forgive others their trespasses against you, your heavenly Father will forgive your trespasses. But, if you do not forgive others their trespasses against you… neither will your heavenly Father forgive you!”

The woman went to talk to her Pastor about her situation at home and how she struggled with the issue of forgiveness. How could she forgive someone who abused her?

SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED as the conversation between the woman and her pastor progressed. “You must remember,” the pastor said, “That Jesus forgave the people who brutalized Him while He was hanging on a cross. Do you remember how he said, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” Her heart sank as he continued, “Maybe the Lord has called you to be an abused wife!”

THAT WAS THE WORST example I have ever encountered that shows how the whole subject of forgiveness can be abused. In fact the pastor’s response to the woman was itself abusive. Thank goodness she found her way out of that church. While it is true that Christians are called to develop a forgiving spirit, it is not true that a forgiving spirit means accepting abusive behavior. It is very important to properly understand what forgiveness means. A faulty understanding of forgiveness can lead to something I like to call “The Doormat Syndrome.”

The Doormat Syndrome translates to something like this. The doctrine of forgiveness means I have to accept offense or abuse without negative feelings or anger.

We begin with the truth that Jesus came down very strong on the side of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not an option for Christian people, it is a requirement. The reason Jesus was adamant about this - (…if you do not forgive others their trespasses against you… neither will your heavenly Father forgive you! ) - is based on three principles.

I. FORGIVENESS IS THE BASIS OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

II. THE PRACTICE OF FORGIVENESS BY CHRISTIANS TOWARDS EACH OTHER SHOWS THE REALITY OF CHRIST’S LOVE TO THE WORLD.

III. AN UNFORGIVING SPIRIT IS ONE OF THE MOST DEADLY ENEMIES OF OUR EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH.

HOWEVER, THE ISSUE of forgiveness can be abused if we do not understand the meaning of the word forgiveness and how it is to be applied.

First of all: It is very important to understand the second principle of forgiveness…namely; “The practice of forgiveness by Christians towards each other shows the reality of Christ’s love to the world.”

I want to read for you, a couple of verses from the New Testament letter to the Colossians:

As God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, you must do also. But above all these things, put on LOVE, which is the bond of perfection.

IN OTHER WORDS, –the function of forgiveness within the Christian Community is to keep the conduit of God’s love clear and clean so that the love of God can flow freely. Forgiveness is God’s antidote to spiritual arterial sclerotic disease in the Body of Christ - which is bitterness, anger, and resentment that come from our human tendency to hurt each other. Forgiveness keeps the conduit of God’s love open and the experience of divine love fresh.

The crucial words in the letter to the Colossians “one another.” It is very clear that forgiveness within the Christian Community is based on the idea that: 1) we are ALL recipients of God’s love, and 2) we are, ALL committed to the same spiritual values. That is to say, we are ALL called to do all we can to practice toward each other what God has practiced toward us. In other words the first function of forgiveness is an internal one in the family of faith, the church.

Secondly: The practice of forgiveness toward those who stand outside the Community of Faith has an entirely different function. The purpose of forgiveness here is to release us from bitterness and to trust that GOD will take care of righting all wrongs. It does not mean that we are to become doormats for the abusive behavior of people who do not share our values.

Listen once again to 16 through 18 in our scripture reading:

{16}Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. {17} Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. {18} If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Did you notice the switch between verses 16 and 18? The focus moves from “one another” to “you” I.E. “As much as it lies in you be at peace with all persons.”

TO GO BACK TO MY OPENING STORY… God does NOT call women to live in abusive relationships with men who do not share the values, the love or the faith of the Christian community.

WANT TO READ TO YOU an interesting story from Matthew’s gospel:

It addresses incorrect notion that Christians are not supposed to get angry.

Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, ‘”My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of thieves.’”

To have a forgiving spirit does not mean that we don’t get angry at abuse. The verb “to forgive” in the N.T. means literally, “to release from a debt.” That’s it. It does not mean you should have particular feelings toward the debtor. Supposing someone wrongs or hurts you in some way. To forgive the wrong means that you release the debt. In other words, you do not keep account of the wrong with the intention that you have to pay back the wrong. It does not, however, mean that you must feel lovey-dovey or warm toward the debtor.

Let me read one verse past our morning scripture. Rom. 12:19 “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather let God take care of it; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine… I will repay,” says the Lord.”

The key point today is that forgiveness is a gift to the Christian Community to insure clear flowing of God’s love in our midst. It is also a call to Christian people to trust God to right all wrongs. We do not have the power or the authority to make all things right and we can make ourselves sick trying to do so. God, however, will make everything right in due course and in God’s own time.

Forgiveness will allow us to trust God for the consequences for all abusive behavior and to find release the bitterness of injustice. The woman who was in effect told by her pastor to stay in a relationship with an abusive husband and worse yet - to see this as a call of God - was called to no such thing at all. On the contrary, she should be encouraged to leave. She will, however, find eventual release from bitterness and anger by letting the abuse go and giving it to God. She can trust that God will somehow make this right and that there are consequences for abusers that she has not control over.

Christian are called to be forgiving persons.
Christians are NOT called to be doormats.”
(Article Courtesy of www.lectionarysermons.com/)

The Healing Power of Forgiveness
by Dr. Deborah Newman

“Before I ever forgave others or helped individuals learn to forgive, I always thought forgiveness granted all the benefits to the offender.The Power of Forgiveness In the process of struggling with forgiveness, I’ve found that it’s my own soul that receives the greatest benefit from it. I’ve witnessed amazing changes in people through the healing power of forgiveness.

What Forgiveness Is Not
Forgiveness is not forgetting. I challenge you to find the verse that says, “Forgive and forget” in your Bible. Get a concordance and try to find it. It won’t be there.

I’ll always remember the most significant experiences of forgiveness in my life. These memories are of spiritual victories whereby God overcame the fear, rage and resistance created in my soul by another person’s actions toward me. In true forgiveness, I release my hatred, self-protection and desire for vengeance, but I keep all of my short- and long-term memories. When we’ve experienced the healing power of forgiveness, we never forget the release we feel in our souls. Through forgiving, we’re able to forget “what lies behind” and reach forward to “what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13), which involves letting go of the pain and being freed from hatred, fear and bitterness. We remember those painful circumstances in a way that gives us hope for the future. True forgiveness gives us back our lives.

Forgiveness is not masking hurt. When we’re sinned against, we hurt. Our instincts tell us to control the hurt. Many of us are pros at denying our hurt. We think that’s forgiveness, but it’s not.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He died for every sin you and I will ever commit. Second Corinthians 5:21 says that He became sin for us. Our Savior didn’t smile and say, “Oh, they really aren’t that bad.” No, He was deeply and completely acquainted with our wretchedness. That was the only way He could forgive us for everything. We can’t forgive a transgression if we won’t let ourselves face how angry, hurt and betrayed we feel because of the offense.

Forgiveness is not an emotion. After we’ve been hurt, we want to feel better. Many of us try to use forgiveness as a feeling to make us happier. Forgiveness is not an action we take without agony of the soul. It’s not easy to do. For me, forgiveness begins as a decision to trust God, rather than a desire or feeling of wanting to be close to the person who has offended me. My emotions toward the person may be completely antagonistic, but that doesn’t affect my decision about forgiving that person.

Forgiveness is not necessarily reconciliation. The great thing about forgiveness is that we’re free to forgive each and every person who has ever sinned against us. Forgiveness doesn’t depend on reconciliation.

It’s freeing to know that our part of forgiveness doesn’t depend on the response of the offender. However, reconciliation does depend on the offender. Reconciliation is possible only when the forgiver and the person being forgiven can come to terms about the offense.

Forgiveness is not revictimization. Many people are afraid of forgiveness because they think it means they’ll become the victim of the person who has sinned against them. This is not what Jesus teaches.

True forgiveness cleanses a heart of the damage caused by an offense. In the process of forgiveness, we realize the need for boundaries - decisions we make about our relationship to the offender that prevent the relationship from being unhealthy, that prevent us from being revictimized. When God asks you to forgive others who have offended you, He is not asking you to be a victim. Being a victim and forgiving are two totally different things.

It’s also easy to practice false forgiveness, but there’s nothing less satisfying to the soul. We can waste a lot of time, effort and energy buying into false forgiveness.

What does it mean to truly forgive? Let’s take a look at the positive side of forgiveness now.

What Forgiveness Is
Forgiveness is a process. Perhaps God is speaking to you about a person you need to forgive. You can begin the process of forgiveness today, but that doesn’t mean you will instantly feel the freedom of complete forgiveness.

For deep offenses, it may take years to experience the full freedom of forgiveness. I compare forgiveness to peeling layers off an onion. You can dig deeply and take off many layers at once, but there are lots of thin layers as well, which makes forgiveness a process of patiently addressing the issues that come up.

Committing to the process means admitting that you’re powerless to forgive on your own. You’re telling God that you want Him to forgive through you. You’re willing to begin, knowing it may take years before you feel the complete release of God’s work of forgiveness in your heart.

Forgiveness is a decision. The most important contribution you make in the process of forgiveness is to trust God enough to make the decision to forgive. In human matters, forgiveness comes down to a decision. It’s a decision to trust that God knows more than you do and that forgiving the person who hurt you will heal you.

No one can force us to forgive, and no one can keep us from forgiving. Forgiveness is a decision to trust not our own instincts but the voice of God. When I’ve decided to forgive, it wasn’t because the offender asked me to do so or even acted in a way that created a desire in me to forgive. I forgave because I trusted that God loves me and that He would never tell me to do something that wasn’t good for me.

Forgiveness is desiring reconciliation. You can use this act of forgiveness as a litmus test to determine how far along you are in the process of forgiveness. As God cleanses our souls from bitterness and hatred, He replaces them with love. As forgiveness does its work, you move from being an obsessed, embittered woman to a willing agent of God’s love. The reconciliation that you desire is evidence of the changes going on in your heart through forgiveness. Perhaps the person we’re forgiving and seeking reconciliation with doesn’t see things the same way we do. But for reconciliation to take place, there must be an openness in the hearts of both parties to admit wrong and come to a mutual understanding.

Forgiveness is alchemy for the soul. True forgiveness brings about a seemingly magical transformation. Whereas we were once burdened, consumed and obsessed, now we’re transformed, free and willing. When I was 16 years old, I read a quote that has had a great impact on the way I’ve lived my life: “I will never allow another person to ruin my life by making me hate him.” God has used these words to keep my soul free from the burden of hate. Hate creates chemical reactions in our bodies. Unresolved hatred and anger have been linked to heart disease and burnout. A soul that’s free of hate through forgiveness goes through a chemical transformation.

Steps to Forgiveness
There are no “six simple steps to forgiveness.” But I’ve seen myself and others go through stages. Here are three stages of the forgiveness process that have helped guide people through the path of forgiveness.

1. Fully examine the wrong. A lot of us don’t experience the full healing power of forgiveness because our spirituality won’t allow us to feel the anger that’s stored inside. Ephesians 4:26 says to be angry and sin not. Anger in itself is not sin. It’s what we do with our anger that makes it sin. I find it helpful to express the anger in my soul in a letter that I don’t send to the person who offended me. This helps me fully recognize the reality of who and what God is asking me to forgive.

2. Confess your own sins. How have you allowed the sin committed against you to influence you to sin? Have you been angry at God? Have you developed a life of hate and anger? Have you become afraid to live? Have you not loved well? Have you been afraid to love God? It’s important for you to honestly admit your own sins and take responsibility for your own life in the process of forgiveness.

3. Commit to the process of forgiveness. Now it’s time to let God do what only He can do. Forgiveness in the Spirit is a spiritual process. He can reach and cleanse places in your soul that you could never touch. It’s time to trust God and let Him free you from the bondage of unforgiveness.

True forgiveness is one of the most important instructions Jesus gives us. The reality of a fallen world makes forgiveness the only true remedy for the damage done to our souls by hurtful relationships. I challenge you to consider the deep work of forgiveness and let God know that you’re willing to practice true forgiveness in your relationship. As you practice true forgiveness, you’re well on your way toward ending your cycle of damaging relationships.”
(Article courtesy of www.briomag.com)

At one point in my life, my Saturday nights were devoted to either a fraternity party or clubbing in DC. Thankfully, I’m now at a different point in my life. Currently six to eight years later, my Saturday nights (just like every other night) are devoted to my darling husband. Lately, we’ve been refreshing our memories on “The Lord of the Rings,” which is one of my favorite trilogies - not only because I get to see Elijah Wood and Viggo Mortensen for a few hours (however, I do think Sean Connery would have made a wonderful addition to the cast ), but because of quotes like these:

Sam: It’s like in the great stories Mr. Frodo, the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end it’s only a passing thing this shadow, even darkness must pass. A new day will come, and when the sun shines it’ll shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something even if you were too small to understand why. But I think Mr. Frodo, I do understand, I know now folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?

Sam: That there’s some good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.

Tonight, in my pink flannels, snuggled up to my hubby in front of the fire watching the “The Two Towers,” I remembered my “shadow,” my “darkness” and I remembered thinking that I would never get through it. But, with God’s amazing grace, I persevered. I didn’t give in to something that would harm me and that would eventually destroy me. With the help of a few “Sams” in my life (my Heavenly Father, Michael, & best friend Holly - just to name a few), I fought through my moments of weakness. My new day has come and boy does my sun shine bright!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
~ Jeremiah 29:11

I’ve come across a few posts that really get my mind thinking, hold me accountable, and are encouraging. I thought I’d pass them along to you
*** (1) ***
Thanks to Jess for sharing this on her blog.

A few snippets from Randy Alcorn’s post: Sacrificing Children on a Republican Altar?

“…evangelical spokesperson (Pat Robertson) -though I’m not sure who Robertson really represents anymore-would turn his back on unborn children to endorse Giuliani, who favors legalized abortion, is tragic.”

“If, like many, you get upset about the fact that people would post (abortion) pictures or that I would link to them, I suggest you reserve your outrage for those who defend the right to commit such atrocities against children. It is not the photos that are immoral-it is abortion that is immoral. The photos only tell the truth most of us don’t want to see. It is the height of hypocrisy to support a candidate who defends legalized abortion, while getting mad at people who show the truth about abortion because the truth is so horrible.”

“…the one with the best chance of winning, I think, is Mike Huckabee. But regardless of what we think about his chances, why would we not choose someone who we have reason to believe will live by God-honoring principles and stand for the unborn and marriage and family and religious freedom whether in victory or defeat?”

“You have no control over who in the end votes for Hillary Clinton. You do have control over who you vote for. You won’t be held accountable for someone else voting for a pro-abortion candidate. You will be held accountable if you vote for such a candidate. “But he was a Republican, Lord,” you may say at the judgment seat. “But I’m not a Republican,” Jesus may say. “I’m the original Independent.”"

It’s a long post, but it’s worth your time to read!

*** (2) ***
A few snippet’s from Josh Malone’s , The Church at the County Fair

“One thing I noticed while walking through…is that there are a variety of booths promoting a variety of organizations and ideas.”

“…in a Southern county the fair represents a place where almost everyone’s lives intersect…It is in these places the church must make an impact and influence people’s lives with the Gospel.”"

“The chain smoking, truck driving, gun toting, Hank Williams Jr. worshipping, country boy is more likely to listen to the gospel coming from the guy that he shared a laugh or a good time with.”

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A few snippet’s from Mrs. H’s, The Danger of Self-Pity

“As Christian women, wives, and mothers, we are called to imitate the Standard to which all of society is held, and society is teaching us to be increasingly unhappy and dissatisfied with what we have.”

“…we all have bad days, where it seems that nothing goes right, but it’s how we react to those days that our children see and imitate.”

“Having several small children underfoot can be a challenge and is most definitely a source of exhaustion for the mother. However, we must guard our hearts against the thought that our children are a burden, or are constantly causing us more work. The Lord gave us these children because He trusted us to raise them in a godly home for His glory.”